Nairobi – Botswana’s High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Andrew Sesinyi, represented his country at the official launch of the Japan Supplementary Budget Support Programme in Nairobi on 23 April 2026, a joint initiative between UN-Habitat and the Embassy of Japan.
At the heart of the programme is a USD 1,133,333 contribution from the Japanese government toward the Southern Africa Urban Water Crisis Emergency Response Project, which targets water security and climate resilience in urban poor areas across South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho.
Speaking at the launch, High Commissioner Sesinyi conveyed Botswana’s gratitude to Japan for what he described as timely and generous support, noting that the project speaks directly to the water stress and climate vulnerability facing urban communities across the region. 
“Botswana values Japan’s longstanding partnership, demonstrated through TICAD, JICA’s technical cooperation, and now this critical intervention for urban water security. This support will enhance access to safe water for vulnerable populations and strengthen community resilience to climate change,” Sesinyi said.
He added that the project aligns with Botswana’s national priorities under Vision 2036 as well as the SADC Regional Strategic Action Plan on Integrated Water Resources Development and Management.
On the sidelines of the launch, High Commissioner Sesinyi held discussions with Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya and senior UN-Habitat officials on deepening cooperation in sustainable urban development. The talks also looked ahead to the 13th World Urban Forum, scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026.
